Donora police arrest two in assault

Two men were arrested early Wednesday by Donora police in connection with an assault last month of two men.

Brent William Large, 26, of 86 Lincoln Ave., Donora, and Jeffery Allen Sickles, 31, of Monessen, are accused in the May 30 assault at a home in the 800 block of Thompson Avenue.

Donora police said Steven Perchak had been invited to a gathering at 860 Thompson. He was uncomfortable with his surroundings and when he went to leave, Large reportedly confronted him and said he wanted to fight.

Police said Large blocked the door, telling Perchak that he wanted him and his friend, Andrew Brewer. Brewer was next door at Perchak’s house, police said.

Large reportedly started to push Perchak around the house. Perchak broke free and ran. Large allegedly followed Perchak to the porch and knocked him to the ground.

Sickles allegedly joined in the assault. Brewer came out of the house and started yelling at Large. After Perchak’s head was slammed off a bumper of a parked car, Brewer took off his belt and started hitting Large and Sickles.

Large and Sickles then took the belt from Brewer and started beating him with it and with their fists. They then turned their attention back to Perchak, who was semiconscious, police said.

Brewer went back in Perchak’s house and got a gun in an attempt to stop the assault. Large and Sickles then fled.

Perchak was flown to a Pittsburgh hospital. Brewer was taken to Mon Valley Hospital.

Police had to use a Taser to subdue Large Wednesday morning after forcing their way into his apartment to take them into custody.

Both men were arraigned before District Judge James Ellis. Large is charged with two counts each of aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment, and harassment and one count each of false imprisonment and resisting arrest. He was placed in the Washington County jail on $120,000 bond.

Sickles is charged with two counts each of aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment and harassment. He is in jail on $10,000 bond.